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Volume 5, Issue 8(Suppl) J Nurs Care 2016
ISSN: 2167-1168 JNC, an open access journal
Page 63
Notes:
Euro Nursing 2016
October 17-19, 2016
conferenceseries.com
15th Euro Nursing & Medicare Summit
October 17-19, 2016 Rome, Italy
Promoting infant mental health in infants who experience prenatal substance exposure
Stacy Blythe
Western Sydney University, Australia
Infant mental health is based on the understanding that the infant period of development lays the foundation for
psychological, emotional and social development. The concept of attachment is fundamental to infant mental health. Loosely
defined, attachment refers to an affective relationship between the infant and a particular, preferred individual (usually the
infant’s biological mother). It is within this primary attachment relationship that infants develop their ability to emotionally
self-regulate and socially interact. There is consistent evidence that compromised or absent attachment in infancy leads to
significant social, emotional and psychological sequelae in adulthood. Infants who experience prenatal substance exposure
often require specialized treatment and extended periods of hospitalization. Current research and policy regarding infants with
prenatal substance exposure focuses on symptom relief and physiologic health. There is a scarcity of literature or reference for
the importance of promoting the mental health of these infants. Social and health policy acknowledge the significance of the
infant primary attachment relationship. However, in current clinical practice little is done to support or facilitate attachment
for infants who are prenatally substance exposed. This is particularly problematic as often these infants have limited or no
interaction with their mothers due to poor maternal health, maternal issues of addiction and/or the involvement of child
protection services. This paper highlights the gaps in current policy, practice and research in relation to the mental health of
infants who are prenatally substance exposed. Specifically, it highlights implications for nurses at the infant bedside and makes
recommendation for future practice and research.
Biography
Stacy is a Registered Nurse and full time student at Western Sydney University (Australia). Her research interests include Vulnerable Children and Families, Child
Protection and Foster Care.
Stacy Blythe, J Nurs Care 2016, 5:8(Suppl)